Cost of Living in Australia - Updated Prices & Insights

73.84

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,051 (excluding rent), and $2,315 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $2,598 (excluding rent), and $4,448 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$16.34 A$25.04

$10.46 A$16.03

$30.16 A$46.2

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$76.7 A$118

$51.2 A$78.4

$128 A$196

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$9.65 A$14.78

$9 A$13.79

$11.57 A$17.73

Cappuccino

$3.59 A$5.49

$2.66 A$4.08

$5 A$7.66

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.56 A$3.92

$1.91 A$2.92

$3.5 A$5.36

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.2 A$3.37

$1.85 A$2.84

$3.31 A$5.07

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$6.39 A$9.79

$4.47 A$6.86

$9.6 A$14.71

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$7 A$10.73

$5.09 A$7.8

$9.56 A$14.64

Milk (1 liter)

$1.58 A$2.42

$1.01 A$1.54

$2.67 A$4.09

White Bread (500g)

$2.52 A$3.86

$1.45 A$2.23

$3.99 A$6.12

Rice (white) (1kg)

$2.03 A$3.1

$1.16 A$1.77

$3.85 A$5.9

Eggs

$4.42 A$6.78

$2.78 A$4.26

$6.36 A$9.75

Local Cheese (1kg)

$8.61 A$13.18

$5.7 A$8.73

$19.01 A$29.13

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$8.38 A$12.84

$5.82 A$8.92

$11.65 A$17.85

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$13.99 A$21.43

$7.83 A$12

$20.9 A$32.02

Apples (1kg)

$3.11 A$4.76

$1.9 A$2.9

$4.11 A$6.3

Banana (1kg)

$2.81 A$4.31

$1.99 A$3.04

$4.63 A$7.1

Oranges (1kg)

$2.96 A$4.54

$1.41 A$2.16

$5.94 A$9.1

Tomato (1kg)

$4.38 A$6.71

$2.11 A$3.23

$6.59 A$10.1

Potato (1kg)

$2.42 A$3.7

$1.26 A$1.93

$3.47 A$5.32

Onion (1kg)

$2.11 A$3.23

$1.28 A$1.96

$3.19 A$4.89

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.22 A$3.4

$1.29 A$1.98

$3.23 A$4.95

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$1.52 A$2.32

$0.51 A$0.78

$3.2 A$4.9

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$30.79 A$47.16

$25.33 A$38.81

$38.48 A$59

Wine (Bottle)

$13.09 A$20.05

$7.84 A$12.02

$19.62 A$30.06

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$4.45 A$6.82

$2.43 A$3.73

$7.71 A$11.82

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.01 A$7.68

$2.63 A$4.03

$7.9 A$12.1

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.95 A$4.52

$0.33 A$0.51

$4.58 A$7.02

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$98.4 A$151

$54.8 A$83.9

$151 A$232

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.62 A$5.54

$2.3 A$3.53

$6.57 A$10.06

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.74 A$2.66

$1.2 A$1.84

$3.02 A$4.63

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$37.72 A$57.8

$31.01 A$47.5

$54.3 A$83.1

Gasoline (1 liter)

$1.15 A$1.76

$1.03 A$1.58

$1.35 A$2.06

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$28.4K A$43.4K

$25.5K A$39.1K

$28.4K A$43.4K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$22.5K A$34.4K

$19.3K A$29.5K

$25.7K A$39.3K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$178 A$272

$98.1 A$150

$333 A$511

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$26.01 A$39.84

$12.82 A$19.64

$44.87 A$68.7

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$53.6 A$82

$42.6 A$65.3

$71.5 A$109

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$47.13 A$72.2

$25.79 A$39.51

$82.5 A$126

Tennis Court (1 Hour on Weekend)

$16.56 A$25.38

$9.73 A$14.9

$22.68 A$34.75

Cinema Ticket

$13.42 A$20.56

$10.87 A$16.65

$17.25 A$26.43

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,562 A$2,394

$770 A$1,179

$2,455 A$3,761

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$12.4K A$19K

$5,808 A$8,898

$25.8K A$39.5K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$72 A$110

$39.62 A$60.7

$99.1 A$152

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$50.4 A$77.2

$22.54 A$34.53

$90.2 A$138

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$101 A$155

$64.5 A$98.9

$142 A$217

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$111 A$169

$65.4 A$100

$170 A$260

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,391 A$2,130

$943 A$1,445

$2,180 A$3,340

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,101 A$1,687

$789 A$1,209

$1,645 A$2,520

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,311 A$3,541

$1,433 A$2,195

$4,414 A$6,762

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,752 A$2,684

$1,303 A$1,997

$2,659 A$4,073

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$6,784 A$10.4K

$4,500 A$6,894

$13K A$19.9K

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$5,028 A$7,703

$3,254 A$4,986

$8,934 A$13.7K

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,564 A$5,460

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.35

5.2

7.05

Citycost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Cost of Living in Australia - Frequently Asked Questions

Australia offers a high quality of life with varied value across cities and regions. The Cost of Living in Australia varies by location, with capital cities tending to be pricier than regional hubs. Travelers, expats, and digital nomads who stay flexible about neighborhood and length of stay often find the best balance in mid-size cities and coastal towns, where housing and dining can be more affordable without sacrificing amenities. Seasonal demand, such as holiday periods or major events, can affect costs temporarily. A practical approach is to compare neighborhoods by commute, access to co-working spaces, and proximity to groceries or markets. Tip: Start with a two-week baseline in your top two areas to see where you feel most at home.

Daily life for Australia living cost awareness aside, your day-to-day will hinge on where you stay and how you move. Start with housing search by budgeting for a few types: a shared apartment near a transit hub, a studio with reliable internet, or longer-term leases in neighborhoods with markets and parks. Food options range from local grocers and cheap eateries to mid-range cafés; cooking at home often saves more than occasional dining out. Transport can be economical with monthly passes, bike lanes, and walkable streets. For remote work, a solid internet plan and a nearby co-working or café can sustain momentum. Tip: Plan backups for high season and keep a flexible schedule.

Quality of life in Australia includes outdoor access, safety, healthcare, and vibrant communities. Build a budgeting framework that separates fixed costs (rent, utilities) from discretionary spending (eating out, entertainment). Look for neighborhoods that match your work style – co-working spots, fast Wi-Fi, and safe, walkable streets. Consider the seasons: in many cities, summer heat or rains change commute and leisure timing. Shortlist two or three areas and test them with a live-in trial if possible. Use tools to compare utilities, internet, and transport options before signing a lease. Tip: choose a neighborhood that supports your work rhythm and social life.